Congress not to contest Tamil Nadu by-polls

Chennai: The Congress today joined other Opposition parties, including DMK and PMK, in boycotting the June 27 by-polls to Radhakrishnan Nagar constituency from where AIADMK supremo and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is seeking re-election to the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

TNCC president EVKS Elangovan alleged the by-polls may not be held in a fair manner. In a statement, he claimed officials had failed to prevent an 'unusual' situation from prevailing in the constituency. The by-polls were necessitated following the resignation of AIADMK's P Vetrivel on May 17 to pave way for his leader to contest from this constituency for the first time.

Elangovan also alleged money is being distributed in the constituency. DMK, PMK and MDMK besides others had announced boycotting the by-polls raising apprehensions over the fair conduct of the elections. DMK chief M Karunandhi had sarcastically said, "We clearly know how democracy will be respected in the by-polls."

Jayalalithaa returned as Chief Minister on May 23 following her acquittal by the Karnataka High Court in the disproportionate assets case.